My cat has the worst breath I have ever smelt in my entire life! The only thing I can describe it as is rotton fish! This in turn makes him smell all the time as he cleans. I have though about getting him a scale & polish, but I am concerned about putting under anaesthetic as he is 9 years old. He has lost a tooth at the front and his gums are a little pink, but I dont think hes in any pain and he is eating dry biscuits and meat with no probs.
Any ideas what to do?

Hi, Lucy,
There are two common causes of bad breath in cats - severe dental problems with lots of tartar round the teeth, and chronic kidney failure.
At 9 years of age, unless there is chronic kidney failure, a GA for a dental overhaul should not be too dangerous.
Take him to your vet, who may advise a blood test to check out his kidneys, if that is OK he could clean up his mouth, and advise on a diet to reduce the likliehood of a recurrance.
Either way, your cat does appear to need some veterinary attention.
Walter

Walter is, as usual, absolutely right: I would add that if there is a severe gum inflammation (gingivitis), then Co enzyme Q 10 (30mg daily) is really helpful in minimising symptoms of sore gums.

I'd also add that (in my experience) giving a cat something really chewy, such as raw chicken necks or wings, to gnaw on helps keep the teeth clean and tartar free.

Richard Allport BVetMed, VetMFHom, MRCVS

Hello,
thank you both for your advice.... hes not going to like me, but hes off to the vet!